Dominic Miller isn't the most talked about prep baseball player in the area, but he might be the most valuable player to his respective program.

The pitcher and outfielder has been a four-year starter for Escambia High, and as the team has flourished under second-year head coach Tracey King's new culture, Miller has only elevated his already-dominant play.

Escambia (9-3, 3-1 District 1-7A) is second to Pace High in its district and eagerly awaits the challenges at the Battle of the Bayfront on 4 p.m. Tuesday against nationally-ranked Mosley at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Miller — a 6-foot, 200-pound Pensacola State signee— has been through the ups and downs in his career, but it could pay off this year as Escambia aims to transition from a dark horse to contender in its district.

"Dom has really come into his own over the last year or two," King said. "He's a guy I go to when I need someone to step it up and he already steps up on his own. His leadership to this program is unbelievable. I think he understands now that he is the guy that people are going to look up to on this team.

"He understands that when he produces, it brings the team up. We preach that everyone is a big part of this team. We've had some freshman and sophomores step up big for us this year and all of these guys work hard every day. But, Dom is a big part of this team and a great leader."

In four appearances on the mound this year, Miller is 2-0 with two saves. In 15.2 innings of work he's struck out 19, given up 11 hits and three earned runs.

At the plate, his .405 batting average, 13 RBIs and five doubles are all team-highs.

But even with standout numbers like his, his vocal leadership in Escambia's dugout is just as valuable to his teammates.

"He's that guy that brings the spark to the team," said Escambia senior catcher Josh Hale, who's friendship with Miller began at the tee ball fields when the duo was five-years old. "When he's on, our team feeds off him. When he sees other people are down, he has the tendency to pick them up. Even away from baseball, he just wants everyone to have a good time and be up.

"He's just a good guy and a loyal friend. That's how you can sum Dom up."

Hale speaks the truth about Miller's humble nature, and you won't get much from Miller as far as self assessment.

But he does credit himself for being a natural hitter. His pitching has seen more control come with his increased confidence on the mound this year.

"It's all about mindset," Miller said. "This year, it's been all about tuning in. I didn't have a lot of confidence at the start of last year. I try to get out there and focus on my mechanics and not think about much else. Last year I used to worry about what ifs. This year, I'm not scared to fail I just want to go out there and do my thing."

Miller expresses great appreciation for the growth of Escambia's program, his teammates - which he referred to as a mix of seniors and underclassmen with a lot of skill and speed - and the new coaching staff which came in his junior year.

He credits Escambia pitching coach Marty Lister for sharpening his presence on the mound and King for being a great coach in all aspects of life.

"My relationship with Coach King is very close," Miller said. "He can be a little crazy on the field, but when you're one-on-one with him, he's real cool. He would do anything for his players and wants to see all of us succeed.

"Unfortunately, he didn't grow up in the best way so he wants things to be better for his players. He wants to help kids and see them succeed."

Also part of the Battle at the Bayfront, PCatholic will face Milton 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Escambia-Mosley winner will play the Catholic-Milton winner 7 p.m. Thursday. The losing teams of Tuesday's tilts will play each other 4 p.m. Thursday